Amidst the lifelessness, a dim blue light beckons me further. I push through the oppressive stillness and, to my amazement, encounter a breathtaking sight. Beyond the twisted branches and skeletal trees emerges the most extraordinary tree I've ever seen. Two colossal branches sweep like majestic tusks, creating a vast, empty circle between them, framing the great blue moon in the night sky. The radiant lunar glow bathes the scene in luminescence, transforming the desolation into a captivating sight.
As I stand there, entranced by the breathtaking sight of the mystical tree, a sliver of black mist suddenly flashes through its gnarled branches. Instinctively, I try to catch a glimpse, but it moves with such swiftness that it evades my vision. Yet it returns, a fleeting shadow closer this time, revealing itself as a creature as dark as night, adorned with wings that cut through the moonlit air before disappearing into the tree's shadow.
In a sudden and unexpected intrusion into my thoughts, a deep voice resonates within my mind. 'I've been waiting for you for thousands of years,' the creature communicates, the words echoing in my consciousness.
Curiosity takes over, and I pose the question, 'Are you my familiar?' The answer is already known through the connection I feel towards the creature.
'Why bother asking when you already know the answer?' he replies, reading my thoughts effortlessly.
With a slight unease, I ask, 'Can you read my mind?'
‘Yes,’ he replies. His affirmative response sends a shiver down my spine.
'... Are you going to reveal yourself? I want to meet you properly,' I express, attempting to pierce the shadows that conceal him.
'You're not like the other witches; perhaps that’s why you’ve been chosen as my master. The question is, how do you differ from the other witches? I sense your strength is far greater and also peculiar,' he remarks, his voice resonating with a blend of intrigue and reverence.
In an effort to convey my uniqueness, I reveal my identity, 'Perhaps I should introduce myself properly? I'm Nina, fated mate to Alpha Magnus and Luna of the Shadow Crest pack. I am half-wolf, half-witch.' To emphasize this truth, I remove my clothes and shift into my wolf form, offering him a glimpse of my hybrid nature.
'Incredible,' he exclaims.
Suddenly, a swoosh of black smoke descends before me, unveiling the majestic raven. It becomes evident that this is no ordinary raven, as he emanates black mist from every feather, and even his feet radiate an ethereal darkness.
I stand there in awe, my mouth agape, as the creature introduces himself, 'I am the rarest and the oldest of them all. I am the Shadow Raven,' he declares with regal air.
'What is your name?' I ask, my eyes filled with admiration for this extraordinary being.
'Reaper,' he replies, punctuating his introduction with a haunting caw, wings unfurling majestically.
'Well, Reaper,' I express with a smile, 'It's a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to our future endeavours together.' My heart swells with joy at the realization that Reaper is my familiar.
'Likewise, let us unite as one,' he presses.
The moment my fingertips make contact with Reaper's feathers, a dazzling light erupts around us, and I feel myself ascending slightly above the ground. Simultaneously, my attire undergoes a remarkable transformation. My basic plain dress is replaced by a stunning maroon-coloured gown, fitted and adorned with a corset back. The sleeves of my dress elongate, mirroring the elegance of the other witches' gowns in the Midnight Coven. The hem and sleeves come alive with intricate gold embroidery, adding an ethereal touch to my attire.
Before me, my wand materializes, suspended in mid-air. As I reach out to grasp it, the wand emits another radiant beam of light, undergoing a transformative alteration. A gold swirl manifests at the bottom, and the wand becomes a work of art embellished with jewels and meticulously carved designs.
Reaper, now perched on my shoulder, contributes to the magical display. The dark mist he emits swirls in the air, creating a mesmerizing dance that settles below my collarbone. In its wake, an imprint emerges—a delicate yet striking black feather made of mist. With this act, Reaper cements his role as my familiar, and I, in turn, become his master.
The surge of power courses through my veins, and I revel in the heightened intensity, feeling a strength I've never experienced before. My body responds with a subtle shiver, acknowledging the transformative energy enveloping me.
'This power,' I murmur, my voice a mere whisper, as I twist my head to look at Reaper. 'Does this come from you?' I ask, my eyes searching his.
Reaper caws before responding through our mind-link. 'Yes, now that we're bonded, I can give you as little or as much power as you need from me,’ he replies, his presence on my shoulder both comforting and empowering.
'Do you mean that what I'm feeling now isn't the whole extent of your power?' I ask, a bewildered expression crossing my face as I try to comprehend our connection.
'You mean our power, and no, not at all. Let's just pray that you'll never have to utilize the full amount,’ he says curtly, his words carrying a weight of caution.
Intrigued, I press further, my body language reflecting my curiosity. 'What would happen if we had to utilize it all at once?' I ask him with an intent gaze, seeking answers.
Reaper, with casual disregard, provides a stark response. 'I'd very likely die,' he declares.
I draw in a deep breath, the movement of my chest accentuating the contemplation of the newly acquired knowledge. 'Well, I'll make a mental note not to absorb it all,' I say to him, a slight nod accompanying my words.
'We'll see,' Reaper replies cryptically, his demeanour mysterious.
A burst of laughter escapes me, my hands instinctively covering my lips as my body language expresses amusement. 'I'm starting to see why we’ve been matched together,' I convey to Reaper, a glint of amusement glistening in my eyes.